The intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) recently held its 42 nd Extraordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda hosting the pivotal event at State House, Entebbe. Chaired by H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, the President of Djibouti and Chairperson of IGAD Heads of State and
Government, the assembly brought together several prominent leaders including H.E. Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia; and H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan.
During the assembly, which concluded on January 18, 2024, the leaders expressed their strong disapproval of the ongoing Sudan war, emphasizing that Sudan belongs to its people. They called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to bring an end to the conflict.
In a joint communique, the members reiterated their unwavering support for the dialogue and negotiation, offering IGAD’s assistance in facilitating an inclusive peace process in collaboration with all Sudanese stakeholders, the African Union (AU) and international actors.
Looking towards tangible progress, the heads of state proposed a face to face meeting between Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
(RSF), within 14 days to initiate reconciliation. To ensure a clear timeline, the leaders directed the IGAD Secretariat, in coordination with the AU, to revise the roadmap for the Resolution of the conflict in the Republic of Sudan.
Their collective call for peace resonated beyond the confines of IGAD, as the leaders urged the African Union and the international community to rally support for the peace process in Sudan. President Museveni emphasized the importance of ending what he referred to as
an “unprincipled war,” stating that freedom fighters understand the significance of such conflicts and their impact on justice. He drew parallels with the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, which initially pursued peaceful means of protest for 50 years before
resorting to armed struggle.
IGAD, headquartered in Djibouti city, Djibouti, is a vital trade bloc in Africa consisting of eight member countries from the Horn of Africa, the Nile Valley, and the African Great Lakes region. With an aim to promote regional integration and cooperation, IGAD continues to play a crucial role in addressing conflicts and fostering peace in the region.
